Atlantic Fishing

Hubby went boat fishing with two other guys yesterday. One of them was the friend he went fishing with the other day.
They went out by the bathing beaches of Island Beach State Park (IBSP).

It was 21°F (-6°C) in the early am. The high for the day was 39°F (3.8°C).
It was mostly sunny and windy.
Waves were choppy.

While they were out, my beloved took a short video, which was difficult to do in the rough seas. But he has some proof of seeing a Humpback Whale.
They also saw a large Striper chasing another one near the surface. Both were caught by the guys fishing with him.

They were chasing bunker pods while fishing.
They snagged them and let them drop to the bottom to fish. (Snag & Drop)

My husband told me, “There were many boats that were following us around because we were catching more fish…” (I wonder why?)
“The people in the other boats kept snagging bunker and putting them in their live well instead of fishing.”

Long story short: 8 fish were caught, 3 by my beloved.
They measured between 32″ and 36″
and weighed between 7 lbs. 6 oz. to 13 lbs. 4 oz.

The kids and I haven’t been fishing in roughly two years. My dear husband has gone several times. I’m not complaining, but it would be nice if we could have gone with him.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not one of those women that has her man on a leash or tells him he can’t hang out with the boys. I’m glad that he still spends time with his friends. He enjoys their company.

Yesterday he went fishing with a long-time family friend. This friend does really well and is a fishing fanatic, in my opinion. There’s rarely a time this man gets skunked. However, last night was close to being one of those times; nothing he caught was worth keeping.
On the flip side, dear hubby caught a decent Striped Bass (aka Striper).
He enjoys the sport and also fishes to help feed our family. I’m proud of my hubby.

Federal regulations: Up to three miles off shore for Stripers for 2015:
One fish per day at 33″
Anything smaller or larger has to be released.
(This is still being voted on.)
Federal Government allows each state to decide on their own limits.
Anything beyond 3 miles off shore is International Waters.
Any fish caught are illegal to keep.

Current New Jersey regulations: Up to a mile off shore for Stripers:
Two fish, 28″ or larger, can be kept per day, unlessyou have a permit to keep a third fish.